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Date: 10/4/2023
AGAWAM — Agawam may soon offer property tax work-off programs for seniors and veterans, if the City Council agrees to a resolution filed by one of its members.
The programs, one for seniors and one for veterans, would allow members of each group to work for town government departments up to 100 hours a year, and earn credits applicable on the next year’s property tax bills at a rate of $15 per hour — a maximum tax abatement of $1,500 per person.
Programs like this exist in Chicopee, Southwick, Westfield, Easthampton and Northampton. Councilor George Bitzas, who sponsored the resolution, said it was inspired by Chicopee’s program. He went to Chicopee City Hall to gather information about it, brought it to the Agawam town solicitor and asked for help drafting the proposal. The process took three to four months in total and involved directors of both the Veterans Council and the Senior Center.
Bitzas, a veteran of the Greek military himself, said that people who served the country deserve to be recognized for their service and helped. He also noted that many seniors are on fixed incomes.
“I’m very happy to do that and help the people in Agawam,” he said. “The economy is pretty bad. I think those people who need help, they have a choice to get $1,500 every year.”
With 20 volunteer spots per program, the total amount of money that could be abated annually would be $60,000. Bitzas said he doesn’t hear any complaints about spending $60,000 when the town has millions.
“I think it’s for a good cause,” he said. “It is not wasting taxpayers’ money. I think it is an investment for the people that served.”
Jennifer Gannett, chief of staff for Mayor William Sapelli, said volunteers would work from Jan. 1 until October. They would receive their tax credits the following year. The town is working on details like application questions and finding jobs suitable for both seniors and veterans.
“We still have some time that we’re trying to finesse it,” she said.
She agreed with Bitzas that the program is for a good cause.
“It helps the residents of Agawam, especially during these times where everything is elevated in expenses,” she said.
At the Sept. 16 City Council meeting, the resolutions establishing the programs were referred to the Community Relations Committee, which Bitzas chairs. Bitzas was slated to report on the committee’s recommendation at the Oct. 2 council meeting.
Bitzas is confident that the resolution will be approved by all 11 members of the council.
“I’m 100% sure that Agawam City Council will strongly support that to help the veterans and the elderly,” he said.